Children, work late, what’s for dinner… these are the kinds of things that often make us think. What happens inside our cells? Not much. However, our cellular health is the key to good health, and enzymes play an important role in the whole process.
This article is a deep dive into enzymes, what they really are, how I use them, and how they can help with energy, digestion, and more. Although I don’t take many supplements or even take them daily, enzymes are one of the few. I used enzymes on my journey to recover from Hashimoto’s autoimmune disease and I still use them now for other things.
After 7 years of taking them and lots of trial and error, I’m sharing what I found!
What are Enzymes?
Enzymes are like the right tools that our body uses to break things down and build them up. From a scientific point of view, enzymes are protein catalysts that reduce energy consumption and speed up our reactions, all of which are not used in the body. Different ones serve different purposes, just like a key fits only one lock. For example lipase helps digest fats and only fats, while amylase only digests carbohydrates.
They also perform different functions under different conditions so they can perform different functions depending on how they are used. Factors such as pH, temperature, organic matter, and minerals all play a role in stimulating enzymes to do their work.
In theory we get them from food, especially products. Our body also produces many enzymes, such as amylase in our water to digest carbohydrates, or gastric enzymes for protein in our digestive tract. These enzymes break down many of the substances in our body so that we can use what we eat.
Although the quality of soil is decreasing and the density of food spoils the gut microbiomes and tolerance, many of us could use more help in this area. Looking back, I finally realized that my body wasn’t making and using enzymes properly and I wasn’t absorbing all the healthy foods I was eating. Enzymes are just as important as minerals and light in my book when it comes to foundational health.
They are especially helpful during stress, inflammation, and bowel problems. Enzymes are also important when it comes to dealing with heavy metals, bacteria and overall recovery.
The best way to take enzymes
If our body is not functioning properly with all the enzymes we need, then the best thing is to take a good enzyme supplement. How you handle them also makes a difference. When we take food enzymes, they work to help us digest, absorb, and break down the compounds in our food properly. These are especially helpful for reducing constipation and gas after eating. Digestive enzymes also contribute to that heavy, full feeling when food sits around and isn’t broken down properly.
Getting enzymes in the empty stomach has different functions. Apart from food enzymes that work in a continuous way, such as proteolytic enzymes. So they have many uses, time is important here. Research has investigated enzymes such as serrapeptase and nattokinase for mediating and supporting inflammation. Nattokinase has been studied for breaking down blood clots, while serrapeptase has been studied for inflammation after surgery.
You can find enzymes from plants and microbes that help the body fill the void of what it used to do. I have learned the hard way that the best way to prepare the body is to work within the body system. The idea is not to bypass or overload the physical system, which can cause problems down the road.
Different enzymes
I mentioned that different enzymes do different things, so what are the different types of enzymes? First, there are lipases responsible for breaking down fats, such as glycerol and fatty acids. Others are amylases such as glucoamylase and lactase. These include carbohydrates, starches, lactose oligosaccharides, and other types of carbohydrates. There are even some enzymes that target fiber to help make it easier to digest, which means less gas and bloating.
Special enzymes such as serrapeptase and nattokinase perform other functions in the body.
Determining Enzyme Additive Labeling
Turn over a bottle of enzyme supplements and you’ll see different abbreviations and lingo on the label. For example, proteases can be called HUT, PC, and SAPU, which are related to the number of enzymes and their activity.
These units are more important than milligrams, which don’t tell you much about what it will actually do for you. There are many different issues to consider here, but the main idea is to look beyond grams and milligrams and look at serving units.
Who should take enzymes?
Not every supplement is the best choice or necessary for everyone. People who can benefit the most from taking enzyme supplements include anyone with bowel problems or digestive problems. Research shows benefits for people with low stomach acid and pancreatic insufficiency, both of which can occur in the stomach.
And if the problem is not addressed, we make less acid in the stomach and pancreatic enzymes as we grow up. Anyone with a high protein or high fat diet can also see the benefits, since we are asking for digestive power in our body and it could use that boost.
Another time I prioritize enzymes is when I’m traveling to eat or on vacation. Since I break my routine these days, I find that enzymes help keep my digestion on track.
How to make enzymes more effective
If there’s one theme you’ve heard me repeat over and over again, it’s that supplements work best when placed on a solid foundation. Enzymes are not the same. Before changing doses or testing time, I focused on simple basic practices that support the body’s enzyme production and activity.
Bite more than you think you need
Carb digestion begins in the mouth due to salivary amylase. When we eat fast food, we skip that important first step. Digestion begins before we swallow.
Slowing down also shifts us into a parasympathetic state (“rest and digest”). When we eat stressful or distracted foods, digestive secretions can slow down. For me, something as simple as taking three quick breaths before eating makes me feel better afterwards.
Support Stomach Acid (if needed)
Low stomach acid becomes more common in the stomach and can impair protein digestion and absorption. Having enough stomach acid is important for breaking down protein. Betaine HCl or bitters can help with this, but check with your supplier first. This is very individual, and anyone with ulcers, reflux, GI bleeding, or certain medications should work with a professional before trying.
Do not use water
Fluid is important, but too much fluid during meals can damage stomach acid and enzymes. I drink most of my juice between meals instead of drinking it. For some people, that small change alone reduces constipation and feeling full after eating.
Move After meal
Even walking after a meal has been shown to support digestion and blood sugar regulation. I usually go for a short walk after I eat (especially in the sun!). Movement also encourages lymphatic circulation. A short walk, gentle stretching, or just being active can support both digestion and recovery without the need for vigorous exercise.
Minerals
Enzymes depend on cofactors such as magnesium, zinc, and sodium. Zinc in particular plays a role in digestive enzyme production and stomach acid activity. This is why I love minerals as a foundation. When we have enough minerals, enzymes, both our own and those we supplement, work better.
Enzymes and Autoimmune Recovery: My Experience
When I’m recovering from Hashimoto’s, I often feel a little nauseous inside, like something isn’t going well. Fingers are stiff in the morning, fingers ache, and low energy is all that bothers me. I started with the basics like minerals, nervous system activity, sunlight, sleep, focusing on eating protein. Then I put in the digestive enzymes in the system.
The changes were gradual, but over time, I noticed:
- My rings are loose in the morning
- My bones are not very strong
- Digestion feels light instead of heavy
- I fell asleep
Enzymes aren’t a magic pill, but I’ve definitely discovered how using them helps my body get what it needs to reach my health goals. The deal helped more than do the hard work.
Enzymes for performance and recovery
Although this is discussed more in the gym environment, it is worth mentioning. Especially since many people realize how good they are physically and mentally by focusing on good protein.
Digestive enzymes can support high protein intake by promoting digestion and reducing bloating. Proteolytic enzymes (extracted from food) have also been studied for supporting recovery and reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
While performance isn’t my first use of enzymes, I’ve seen consistent anecdotal benefits here, especially among strength athletes. Teenage athletes are now taking enzymes without any prompting from me because they have seen the difference.
Best Enzyme Choice
As with any supplement, quality and context are important. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners, have bleeding disorders, are having surgery, or have GI ulcers or bleeding. Children can benefit from specific enzymes, but you can always check with their provider for specific recommendations.
When choosing an enzyme, look for something that is clearly labeled (not just milligrams). Security testing by others when available is also something I get. I need formulas that are designed to stay active at the right pH level so my body can use the enzymes.
My favorite enzymes that check all the boxes for me are the following:
Helpful advice if you want to try
If you’re wondering about enzymes, here’s the formula that worked for me:
- Start small (one capsule)
- Track your feelings (digestion, energy, stiffness, sleep, etc.)
- Increase gradually if necessary
- Be careful of time (with non-food items)
- Keep a strong foundation: minerals, protein, sunlight, movement, stress levels
I find that time and consistency are more important to me than high doses.
Final Thoughts on Enzymes
Enzymes may not be flashy or popular, but they are the things that keep it cool and hard at work behind the scenes. For me, they are the needle movers when it comes to sleep, minerals, sunlight, nervous system protection, and nutrient density.
I don’t take many supplements every day. Enzymes are one of the few that I always turn to because I have seen enough benefits to keep them in my kit. Our body is incredibly intelligent, but sometimes it needs the right support to work the way it’s designed.
Have you ever tried enzymes before? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
